GOSPEL NOTES

CHAPTER 1

Jesus and the Woman With the Issue of Blood

Texts: Mark 5: 24-34; Luke 8: 42b-48

“And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” (Mark 5: 24-34 King James Version)

Such an elaborate scene doesn’t use to exist every time like that. People in their thousands were following a man wherever He may go. Though the streets be congested, yet, the atmosphere was radiant. These people thronging behind Him didn’t see any congestion as a challenge; their focuses were on Him; and they keep following Him wherever He goes. Who is this man? His name is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Then all in a sudden of time, that radiant atmosphere seemed to change. Their initial countenances might soon change to a panic one. Someone has touched the master! Not in an ordinary way and manner, but in an extraordinary way and manner! The disciples might seem surprised when He said: “Who touched my clothes?” For they replied: “Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, who touched me?” (vs 30, 31)

This was no normal usual touch. It was such that, He felt power goes out of Him. Which means, among the huge crowd trooping behind Him, there is one who has an extraordinary faith in Him. Just His clothes, just the hem of His clothes, and I shall be healed. Someone who is frustrated of life. Someone who is frustrated in life. Someone who has gone there, gone here, and gone some other places, but sees no solution for her life problems. Someone who has heard about Jesus Christ, decided to follow Him wherever He might go, and decided to put her faith in Him as the only One who can help her; yes, as the Only Miraculous Healer. He was her last hope; other alternatives couldn’t help and work for her. Who is this toucher? “But Jesus kept looking round to see who had done it.” (5:32 Good News Translation)

Then here she comes, in a timid frame, and a tiny body. She came fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her. She was a woman with an issue of blood. A woman who spent all her money on doctors, but instead of getting better, she got worse all the times. She was a woman who needs help desperately, for she was considered an unclean outcast. She was a woman who has faith in the Master. She came and fell down before Him, and told Him all the truth. She was a woman who became healed by her faith!

The Master put her to ease, He in His goodness. The brightness is back in the atmosphere. And He said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. “Jesus said to her, ‘My daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your trouble.” (vs 34 GNT) Amen.

Today, many are actually walking in the way of Christianity. Thanks be to God for everything. All have heard about Jesus Christ the Son of God. All have heard about His goodness, His unconditional Love, and even how He died on the cross of cavalry to wash our sins away. Thus, being the genuine option, many have chosen to walk behind Him.

However, a problem which many people following Jesus seem to still have is that, they’ve not yet have a faith, that’s small as even as a mustard seed. Many have heard about ‘faith’, and many very well knew the meanings and definitions of faith. What’s their problems regarding faith? They are not yet putting it in their practical walk with Jesus Christ.

There might be other persons in that crowd who needs a miracle from Lord Jesus Christ, but maybe as they couldn’t have that extra faith that, even by touching His clothes alone, they will be healed, then they have to wait for other times. But that woman with the issue of blood has that extra faith. She knows of His sovereignty. She knows how powerful He is. She then put all her faith in Him. She applied and demonstrated that faith, and she received her breakthrough.

Are you tired of life? Come, walk with Jesus, in truth. Try to have a much better relationship with God. Try to have more faith in Jesus. Always try to apply and demonstrate more faith in your practical walk with Him. Remember, if you want extra of any good thing in your walk with Jesus Christ, you need to give certain extra things to Him.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus,

Please Help me have a much better relationship with You. Please my Lord, help me to have more faith in You and in Your power, in Jesus’ Name.

Amen.

CHAPTER 2

Jesus and Zacchaeus

“AND Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19: 1-10 King James Version)

Every second, Jesus Christ the Son of God keeps knocking at the door of our hearts, expecting patiently for us to open up and let Him in. He knows quite well that you and I need Him more than anything. Thus, He is always available; waiting patiently for a sinner to accept Him as the Lord and savior of his or her life.

The devil is a failure and a loser. The devil keeps roaring about, looking for people (especially those who have carelessly slip away from inside God’s hedge of protection) to manipulate. One of the things that keep taunting and disturbing the devil is that, he knows fully well that the chances that a sinner will still remain a sinner in the next few hours are slim. The devil knows that the chances that an unbeliever would, in the next very few hours, become a saved approved believer and recognized son or daughter of God, are wide. The devil knows that chances are slim that a sinner will remain in his nest in the next few hours. The devil knows about the availability of Jesus Christ. Yes, the devil knows Jesus Christ is always available, and the devil has no any power to change that fact. And all these truths keep taunting the devil, and keep making him the loser that he is.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5: 8 King James Version)

Money can’t save you. You are rich; you are famous; you’ve got a good job; you’ve got a nice car; you know people in top positions; all those can’t save you. All these are vanities upon vanities. All these can’t make you complete. All these can’t make you whole. All these can’t make you perfect and fulfilled. The only One you need is Jesus Christ the Son of God. He is always available. He is knocking at the door of your heart, and is patiently waiting for you to receive Him into your life, as your personal Lord and Savior. Yes, confess Him to be your Lord and Savior. Confess Him as your personal Lord and Savior.

When you run to Jesus, He is always around to receive you. You might be unwanted. There could be so many errors about and inside you. You might be the worst of sinners. You might be rejected, dejected, outcast, or even a nobody. Run to Jesus Christ. Jesus already knows about you. Yes, Jesus already loved you even before you receive Him into your life (1 John 3: 16) God’s love is unconditional. God loves action. God demonstrated His love by giving us His only begotten Son, to die for our sins, and to save us, even while we were still far from Him. While we were still far from God; while we were still wallowing in our sins; God loved us; God’s love never and didn’t change; God demonstrated His love by sending Jesus Christ His Son to come and die for us. “But God has shown us how much he loves us- it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us!” (Romans 5: 8 Good News Translation) ”For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 King James Version)

Some people and some things might want to stand as a challenge to your decision to follow Jesus. Some might want to start mocking you. Some might want to try making you feel like you can’t stop being a sinner. Temptations and trails might arise to the fullest. The devil would also want to bring things that will make you backslide. Battle might start; war might be so heated. Physical and spiritual trails might arise. But know for sure that despite all, God is always faithful. Know that these distresses aren’t going to last, but they are just for a very little limit time (yes, temporary) In all things, Jesus is telling you that, His grace is sufficient for you. Amen.

Rejoice for having Jesus. What a big miracle it is to have Jesus as your Lord and Savior. The greatest and biggest miracle that could happen to you is that, Jesus saved you! You become a recognized child of God. You become a co-heir with our Lord Jesus. Such a great testimony. Fling the door of your heart wide open, and let Jesus come into your life to rule. Happily give Jesus the permission to take full control of your life. Invite Jesus to the driver’s seat of your life, and let Jesus drive the vehicle of your life in whichever ways He pleases. You just always know that He has the best intentions for you. (Jeremiah 29: 11)

Make all necessary amends in your life. Show, display, and demonstrate that truly, you’ve found Jesus. Zacchaeus demonstrated his. He showed all that truly, he wants to be for Jesus. Show Jesus in your life. Let people see Jesus in your life. Be a real Christian. Be like Christ Jesus. Evangelize for Jesus Christ, with your everything, especially with your lifestyle. Let all see God’s love and goodness in you. Let others see Jesus Christ in everything you do. Don’t be a hiding follower of Christ. Show it to the whole world that you belong to Jesus. Work for Jesus. Proclaim Jesus, and work to bring many others to Jesus. Salvation is the sweetest. Jesus came to seek and save those that are lost. (Luke 19: 10)

PRAYER

Dear LORD,

I confess that I can’t live my life on my own. Lord I need You to come and live my life for me. I’m a sinner, please forgive me all my sins. Please, use the Precious Blood of Your Son Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross of cavalry for me, to wash all my sins away. Save me, O LORD of Host. Today, I fling open the door of my life. I invite You into my life today, please come in and start dwelling in my life dear Lord. I know You loved me dearly. I know You came to seek and to save a sinner like me. Thank You for everything. Today, I accept Jesus Christ into my life as my personal Lord and Savior. Lord, please give me more grace to follow. Today I’ve become a child of God. As from today onward, I’m a co-heir with The Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

CHAPTER 3

The Lost Son

“Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best rope and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry. Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf. But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’” (Luke 15: 11-32 New King James Version)

Right from onset, many of us have been taught about the necessities of living a holy and God-fearing life, for God. Many of us, as we grow, have seen all around us, the benefits which those living devoted lives for God keep getting. We see how those that have dedicated their lives wholly to God keep excelling in all areas, above their contemporaries. Many of us also, while growing, have decided to be walking the narrow lane of Righteousness. We pray and talk to God; and we do attend church. But all of a sudden of time, things went wrong. What went wrong? The gigantic desire and impelling urge to love and want badly, the things of this world. And since many wants it so badly, many quietly- consciously or unconsciously- dropped the right standards of God, which they were initially used to.

Since the lives of many are still rocky in nature, their faith in God isn’t deep and firm in their lives. Thus, at any slightest temptation, they have fallen into sin. At any slightest distress, they’ve broken down. At any slightest persecution or trail, they’ve forgotten about to please God. And at any slightest issues or struggles, they fall for it. Why because, their faith in God isn’t yet deep inside their lives. Thus, when the temptations of loving and following the world arise, they can’t resist the desire to go back into the world and into dirty sin. Many have being lured back into their own Egypt. Many have gone back to slavery. Some have gone back to those things that bring shame. Old evil habits. Drinking and smoking. Back to sexual immoralities. Back to those lifestyles that renders one empty; those lifestyles that hurt and destroy one. Backsliding.

There is nothing this world can offer us. In a better expression, there is nothing good which this world can offer us. Things which this world can offer us are unpleasant things like pain, deceit, regrets, emptiness, peril, tears, weeping, sorrow, gnashing of teeth, sin, and eventually, death. Why negatives? Simply because those are the things this world got to offer. Those are the things which the evil devil has. Those shining and glittering things of this world that looks attractive, harmless. Innocent, ‘not-bad’, ‘just-civilization’, ‘oh this is a new age’; they are all deadly traps and snares. The surfaces of traps will looks attractive and not deadly, so as it wouldn’t scare and chase the target away. Actually, there is no real good pleasure in this world. This world hasn’t any real good pleasure to offer you. The only place you can get good pleasure is in Jesus Christ our Lord.

You aren’t meant for destruction. Come to your senses you sinners and unbelievers. You aren’t meant for destruction. You aren’t meant to be of this world. Live in this world for Jesus, and don’t be of this world. You are suffering being a sinner and an unbeliever. Admit it. Open your eyes. Come back to your senses. Why should you be suffering when Jesus Christ has suffered for you? Why should you be a slave to sin when Jesus has already- with His Precious blood- washed your sins away? Why should you be subjected to death when Jesus Christ has died for you; resurrected on the third day; and overcame and conquered death? You are a prince. Come back to your right senses. Come back home.

Quit sin. Stop fornication and stop committing adultery. Stop telling lies. Stop going to those sinful places. Those clubs, beer parlors, discos, stop going there; they aren’t meant for you. Stop stealing. Stop aborting pregnancies. Stop prostitution. Stop committing sexual immoralities. Stop putting on those indecent clothes. Stop murdering people, even with your actions. Stop covetousness. Stop being wicked. Stop being evil. Stop keeping malice. Stop loving and worshipping money. Stop sinning. Stop committing sin. Stop living a sinful life. Come back to Jesus. Come back to God. Come back into the fold. Come back to God. Come back into the fold. Come and be a child of God.

Jesus Christ has being patiently knocking at the door of your life, expecting you to open up for Him to enter and to start dwelling inside you. Even while still wallowing in your sins, God keeps calling you; just that you are distracted by sins, and thus, couldn’t hear. God loves you so much. God could give up the world for you. You are so special. You are important. You are necessary. You are special. You are a wonderful work of His hands. Come back home, please, He’s waiting for you.

You might think: ‘oh, I’ve gone just too far, I don’t deserve God’s love again, God can’t forgive all these my enormous sins.’ Far from it! God loves you while you are still a sinner (Rom 5: 8) God’s love is unconditional and perfect. While we were still sinners, He loved us and sent His Son Jesus Christ to come and die for our sins (Rom 5: 8) You are saved if you believe in Jesus Christ (Acts 16: 31; Acts 4: 12) God’s grace is too wide: much wider than all the sins you will commit. God’s grace is too big: much bigger than all the sins you will commit. God’s grace is sufficient (2 Cor. 12: 9) God’s grace is unconditional. God’s love is unconditional.

There is so much joy in Heaven, so much joy in the presence of the angels of God, over one sinner that repents. “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” (Luke 15: 10 King James Version) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3: 16 King James Version)

PRAYER

Dear Merciful Father in Heaven,

I thank You for loving me, even more than I could ever love myself. I thank You for loving me even when I’m still a sinner. I acknowledged that I’m just tired of my life. Please Lord, I need You in my life. Please Lord Jesus, come and dwell in my life. I accept Jesus as my Lord and personal Savior. Please, Lord Jesus, come in to my life, and take dominion over my life. Help me to live my life for You. Help me to live a holy chaste life for You. Save me O Lord my Father. Save me O God of Host. I want my pleasure and enjoyment to be in You Lord alone. Give me a new heart. I dedicate my life fully to You. I grasped the free gift of Salvation. By faith, I accept and receive the gracious gift of eternal joy in Heaven which Your Precious Blood has provided for me. Please Lord, also give me the gift of The Holy Spirit, so I will be wholly yours forever. Don’t let me go back again to the world. Don’t let me go back to sin. I’ve overcome and conquered the world and sin. I’ve conquered the devil in Jesus Name. In Jesus Mighty Name I prayed.

Amen.

CHAPTER 4

The Lost Coin

“Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” (Luke 15: 8-10 King James Version)

God created man to be valuable. God created us all to be valuable. God created other things first, then created human beings to have dominion over all the other things. He created human beings to be special and valuable. God created human beings, blessed and told them to multiply, be fruitful, replenish the earth, subdue it, and to continue taking control over all other things. God created human beings to be special and valuable.

But something bad sneaked in. What’s bad? Sin, of course. Sin crept and sneaked into man, and lo, man became corrupted; and things got spoilt. The first human started it all. The first human committed the sin of disobedience. They gave in to the temptation of the evil devil, and they spoiled everything. They were cursed (the repercussions of their sins); and they lose their specialness, value, and virtue. Man became no longer valuable, as he originally was. He lost everything. He is doomed. He was sent out from comfort, into suffering. Sin is the one that caused all evil things. Sin is of the devil, that evil old serpent, satan.

Right on and on, the unworthiness, corruption, and invaluableness, keeps passing on to generations of mankind; generation by generation. It now becomes the natural character, or nature of human, to commit sin and blunder. Man keeps doing things that displease God; separating himself from God’s presence. Man was sinning; and keeps getting himself dirty. Man was corrupt, stained, dirty, stinking, and sinful; man was doomed. Punishments keeps meeting man as results for his sins; but it seems man can’t but sin. Man seems hopeless.

God is faithful. Though man is unfaithful, God is faithful. God is faithful. God is caring. God is good. God’s love never changes. It’s the nature of God to love. God’s Goodness never changes. It is God’s nature to be faithful. It is God’s nature to be merciful. It is God’s nature to be kind, compassionate, and good. Though man’s nature is to sin and to be unfaithful, God is good and faithful. God’s Supreme love never changes or ceases.

God’s love is unconditional. When man has wandered off to calamities, God still reaches out to us, trying to persuade us to come back to safety in Him. Yes, to come back home to Him. God loves all. God loves sinners, but God doesn’t like sins. God is love. God is good. God still go on to seek man. God keeps telling man to come back to Him. Then, since it seems the only option man has is to die, God- in His infinite Mercies- created a Way of Life for man.

God demonstrated His love for us in a fullest measure when He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins (John 3: 16) Jesus Christ is The Way to God The Father; Jesus Christ is The Way to life (John 14: 6) We don’t need to continue sinning any longer. We don’t need to continue getting ourselves hurt. No, not anymore. We don’t need to be hopeless and helpless anymore. Jesus Christ has come. Jesus Christ came for us. Jesus Christ washed our sins away. Jesus Christ has bared our curses (Galatians 3: 13) Those curses and repercussions of our sinful actions: they all had been washed away from our records, by the precious Blood of Jesus Christ! We have being put right with God again. We see hope again! We’ve gotten hope again! We are now valuable again! We are now special again! Yes, we’ve seen hope, and we now have hope again. God- in His infinite Mercies- has given us light. God doesn’t want us to be lost. God doesn’t want us to be far from Him. God wants us to be inside Him. God wants us to remain in Him. God want us to remain in His vineyard. God want us to be inside and among His flock. God want us to become one of His approved and recognized sons and daughters.

You are valuable. God wants you to be inside Him. God wants you to be wholly His. God is looking for the lost, to save them. You’ve gotten scars? God promised to heal you. All those good things which you’ve missed in the past, He promised to restore them back to you in multiple folds. Have a much better relationship with God. There are lots of glorious benefits you will get when you have a much better relationship with God. It isn’t hard. Ask for God’s help. Ask for God’s gift of the Holy Spirit. God’s grace is sufficient for us all. God will find you. God will save you. You are valuable. Jesus Christ came to find and save you. You are worth much more than the whole world.

Believe in our Lord Jesus Christ. Turn away from your sins. Come back home. Accept Jesus Christ into your life as your Lord and savior. Jesus is the only One that can save you. It is through Jesus Christ that you can earn everlasting life. Yes, it’s only through Jesus Christ that you can have eternal life. Jesus is waiting patiently for you to allow Him come into your life. Accept Jesus into your life. Jesus will change your life for good. Jesus will glorify your life. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (Heb 13: 8 KJV) Jesus Christ will beautify your life. Jesus loves you. God will manifest His glory in your life. There is great joy in heaven when you repent of your sins and follow Jesus. You are valuable. There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus,

I give my life to You today. I thank You for Your unconditional love. I thank You Lord that You loved me even when I’m still a sinner. I thank You Lord for dieing on the cross for me. I love You Lord. I thank You for seeking and finding me. I thank You for making me valuable. Lord Jesus, please forgive me all my sins, and have mercy on me. I dedicate my life to God. I give my life to God. Lord, please help me to abide and remain in You till the end. Help me Lord to always please You, and don’t let me wander back to sin. Give me Lord, Your gift of The Holy Spirit, so I can live a Holy and chaste life that will please You. Please Lord, when You will come and take Your children home to Heaven, please give me the Grace to reign with You in Your kingdom Heaven; my home is Heaven, in Jesus Name.

Amen.

CHAPTER 5

Jesus Calms a Storm

“And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4: 35-41 King James Version)

We are all living in a troubled world. There are lots of problems, chaos, and distresses, all over the place. This world seem to be heavily filled with such things like insecurity, rumors of war, terrorism, evil, persecution, temptations, food shortages, unemployment issues, failure, and problems of different types. Thus, so long you are living in this world, you must know what some of these distresses are.

But wait, when you are in distress or in any trouble, who do you call on to? How do you react to troubles, or temptations, or distress of any kind? One big mistake which so many are making today is that, whenever they are in any problem, they think they have the capacity to handle their problems themselves. Also, so many others do categorize problems. There are some problems and distresses that are said to be big; while there are some others that are said to be minor. Thus, some might want to try tackling those problems which they think are ‘minor’, all by themselves. But when such problems and distresses are beyond their capacities; when those problems seems to be too big and major; they will want to bring such to God. How wrong is that!

Another big mistake which many do make is that, they do take their problems to humans. They love running to their fellow humans for help. What they don’t seem to know is that, no human being can help any human being. Human beings do not ordinarily have the power to help. Some humans might even desire to render help at some certain points in time, but, ordinarily, they wouldn’t just know how it could be done. Humans aren’t perfect. Humans are imperfect. Every human got their respective problems and challenges; and many wouldn’t embrace the idea of trying to add the problem of another to theirs. Those who rely and go to humans in times of troubles would only get disappointments. Thus, who should we call upon in times of troubles?

Call upon The Lord. Call Jehovah. Yes, call unto God. Run to Him. Put all your trust in God alone. He is a mighty God. He is merciful. He listens to cries from Heaven. He answers prayers. Call God. Call upon the Lord God. Call upon God when troubles, problems, or distresses come. When the storm begins raging and the boat of your life is tossing here and there, at the point of breaking; when you feel helpless; call upon the name of the Lord. Tell and say this to Jesus, ‘Jesus please help me.’ “The LORD says, “I will teach you the way you should go; I will instruct you and advice you.” (Psalms 32: 8 GNT)

God is the only One interested in your life. It is only God that can help you. It is only God that wants to help you. God wants to save you. It is only God that has the power and might and capacities to help and save you. Some humans might desire to render you help, but they can’t because they aren’t interested to. Call unto God. Call unto God. God is the only One that loves to help. He has been calling and telling you to ‘Come unto Him.’ He calls: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11: 28-30 King James Version.)

Only God has the power to help you. He is the Mighty God. The Lord who rescues the helpless. He is the king of kings. He is the Lord of lords. He is the Alpha and Omega. He is the beginning and the end. He is the All Sufficient God. He is the Creator of the universe. He created Heaven and earth. He created everything. He is the Prince of peace. He is the Giver of life. He is the Wonderful God. Hallowed be thy name O God. All Glory, Honor, and Adoration, be unto God our LORD.

Storms will definitely rage at one point or the other in life. Physical storm, spiritual storms, storms evolved around children, marital storms, financial storms, health-wise storms, and so much more. When these storms arise, don’t rely on your own strengths and knowledge to fight them. When these storms arise, know that God is faithful. When these storms arise, don’t try to call humans. When these storms arise, call Jesus.

All powers in Heaven and on earth had been given to Jesus. At the mention of Jesus Christ, every knee must bow. Every knee anywhere. And every tongue must confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Lord of all. “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2: 9-11 King James Version.

You have faith in Him. Believe in Jesus Christ. Accept Jesus Christ into your life and make Him the Lord of your life. Let Jesus Christ be your personal Savior. Don’t be scared. Don’t fear. Have more faith in Him. And with His Supreme Power, He will command the storm of your life, “Peace, be still.” Let Him command His incomparable peace into your life today. Jesus is the only One who has the power and capacity to save you. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (Heb 13: 8 KJV) Invite Him to come and dwell in you. He will heal your life. Jesus is Lord. Jesus is the Son of God. God loves you.

PRAYER

Dear LORD,

I thank You for my life. I thank You for Your faithfulness. Please LORD, help me quench the storms of my life. Command your peace into my life. Heal my life O LORD. Calm the storms of my life. Make me victorious O Lord. And please Lord, give me the Grace to reign with You in Your Kingdom Heaven. In Jesus Mighty name I prayed.

Amen.

CHAPTER 6

The Ten Virgins

“THEN shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 25: 1-13 King James Version)

It isn’t pleasant to know that many haven’t believed yet that Jesus Christ will come soon. It is unfortunate that many are still living their lives anyhow they like, forgetting that Jesus Christ will soon come. There are so many who are making just little or no emphasis on the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s so unfortunate that many preachers aren’t taking seriously, the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. And as expected, the heart and mind of so many of those preachers’ flocks are fixed on the things of this world. Yes, the vain things of this world.

What? Don’t you know about how terrible the day of the coming of Jesus Christ would be? What? Don’t you know how serious the day of the coming of Jesus Christ should be discussed? Don’t you know that one day, Jesus Christ will come back again? What? Don’t you know that when Jesus Christ comes, the things of this earth will be forgotten? What? Don’t you know that money, fames and popularities, cars and houses, positions, goals and careers, dreams and ambitions, educations, and other things of this earth, are all vanities? You should know that all of them will definitely vanquish when Jesus Christ comes.

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Matt. 24: 29-31 King James Version)

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21: 25-28 King James Version)

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (2 Peter 3: 10 King James Version)

You need to be born again. You need to invite Jesus Christ into your life. Jesus Christ has been waiting patiently for you. You need to have salvation. You need to be saved. If you want to be safe, you need to be saved. The Day of the Lord is coming soon. Yes, it will come any moment from now. When He comes, where would He find you? When Jesus Christ our Lord comes, where would He find you? Are you ready? Hope you know that immediately He comes, there will be no more room for repentance? Immediately death takes you away, there is no more room for repentance. Or, don’t you know that if Jesus tarried His Advent, all of us will die some day? Jesus Christ is coming soon.

Those who are for Jesus Christ; those who are saved; those who are obeying and pleasing God; those who are recognized and approved sons and daughters of God; will go to Heaven. Heaven: everlasting enjoyment. Those who are for the devil; those who are not obeying and pleasing God but are after the vain things of this world; they will go and perish in hell fire. Hell fire is a place of torture and pain. Chose life today. Chose Heaven. Chose Jesus. Come to Jesus. Come and enjoy the benefits of being an approved child of God. I pray God will give us all the Grace to reign with Him in His Kingdom Heaven. Amen.

“Teacher,” they asked, “when will this be? And what will happen in order to show that the time has come for it to take place?” Jesus said, “Be on guard; don’t be deceived. Many men, claiming to speak for me, will come and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t follow them. Don’t be afraid when you hear of wars and revolutions; such things must happen first, but they do not mean that the end is near.” He went on to say, “Countries will fight each other; kingdoms will attack one another. There will be terrible earthquakes, famines, and plagues everywhere; there will be strange and terrifying things coming from the sky. Before all these things take place, however, you will be arrested and persecuted; you will be handed over to be tried in synagogues and be put in prison; you will be brought before kings and rulers for my sake. This will be your chance to tell the Good News. Make up your minds beforehand not to worry about how you will defend yourselves, because I will give you such words and wisdom that none of your enemies will be able to refute or contradict what you say. You will be handed over by your parents, your brothers, your relatives, and your friends; and some of you will be put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a single hair from your heads will be lost.” (Luke 21: 7-18 Good News Translations)

PRAYER

Dear Lord,

Please forgive me all my sins and make me whole and Holy for You. Lord, please give me the Grace that will make me keep living my life in ways that will keep pleasing You. Lord, please, with Mercy, give me the grace to reign with You in Your Kingdom. Lord Jesus, when You will come and take Your children home to Heaven, please count me worthy to reign with You. Please, give me the grace to reign with You in Your Kingdom Heaven.

Amen.

CHAPTER 7

The Things That Make a Person Unclean

“When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and understand; Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planed will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.” Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.” So Jesus said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.” (Matthew 15: 10-20 New King James Version.)

If you want to be a good person; if you want to be a better Christian; if you want to be pure; if you want and desire to always exhibit pleasant and good deeds; then, you need to be prepared to work on your inside. Your inside? Yes, your inside. You need to work on your thoughts, your heart, and your mind. In case you don’t know, what goes on there, goes on here. What’s happening inside there, is what is happening here. Who and what you are in the inside, is who and what you are outside. Who and what you are in the inside, is who and what you really are. What you think most in your mind and heart, is what you are. Even if you are trying to pretend to be something else outside, what you are in the inside, is what you are outside.

God sees the heart. God is more interested in the heart. When God looks at the heart of somebody, He- in His great Wisdom and Powers- already knows who the person is. God doesn’t need to look or reflect at your achievements, activities, your deeds in your church, in your home, or in your society, before knowing who you are. God looks at your heart, and then He knows who you are. “… for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1 Sam. 16: 7 King James Version)

Hypocrisy is one thing God so dislike. Hypocrisy is trying to pretend to be what you are not. It is someone being a bad person inside, but who comes out to show himself or herself as being good. It is being someone that do feast on evil things and thoughts, but who do come out to be someone good and pure- pretending not to know anything called evil. It is having a dirty heart, but behaving like a saint outside. It is having a mind that doesn’t love or regard God, and a heart that is very far away from God, then coming out, and to the church, to behave as if he or she is the one that has the best and most intense passion for God. It is being someone who doesn’t have passion for the things of God but who is pretending to be so outside.

You need to work on your mind and your heart. Yes, certain church and religious doctrines are good, because God instructed them. If you are so diligently with them, and everyone knows this, ask yourself this: are you okay inside? Are your thoughts God’s thoughts? When the devil brings negative and sinful thoughts into your mind, do you quickly transform and convert such thoughts into God’s goodly thoughts? Yes, work on your inside. Hope you aren’t showing love to someone outside, but what’s inside your heart is contempt? Hope you aren’t pretending to be in support of unity, while in your heart what you want is division?

The inside is you. It is what really matters. The heart is where someone first sin, before revealing it outside. Hope you didn’t forget that Jesus Christ told us that, if you look at a woman that isn’t your wife and you desire or lust after her, you’ve already committed adultery with her. “But now I tell you: anyone who looks at a woman and wants to possess her is guilty of committing adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5: 28 GNT) Before someone would fornicate, or commit adultery, or steal, or bear false witness, or blaspheme against God, or commit any other evil thing; that person must first think and decide it first in the heart. You need to work on your inside.

You need to conform your thoughts to God’s thoughts. You need to ask God to give you a new and clean heart. You need to beware of what you continually feed your mind with. You need to feed your mind with God’s Word, continually. If you want to be a good person entirely; if you want to keep pleasing God in and with all things; then you need to be having more time with God, praying to Him, and meditating on His Words: The Bible. Yes, you need to have a better relationship with God.

You need to have the mind of Jesus Christ. If you want to be good and approved within, you need to try having the mind of Jesus Christ. Work on yourself; work on your inside; work on your heart; work on your mind; try having a mind of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER

Dear Lord,

I bring my life to You today. Please Lord, forgive me all my sins and transform me to a better person. I know You love me Lord. Please, create in me a clean and new heart. Please Lord, give me the mind of Jesus Christ. Please Lord Jesus, have mercy on me and make me to be wholly Yours alone, forever. In Jesus Mighty and Glorious Name I pray.

Amen.

CHAPTER 8

The Rich Fool

“And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider unto you? And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, what shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12: 13-21 King James Version)

What is wrong with this rich man? Let’s see all. First, God owned everything because God created everything. However, since it is God’s intention that man would dominate and subdue the earth, God didn’t have a problem with this rich man possessing the ground. So, if we say the man possessed and owned the ground, nothing bad or wrong about that.

Now, the ground brought forth plentifully (vs 16) What happened here? God blessed the ground and the man; and thus, the ground brought forth plentifully. Agreed, this man might put so much efforts in carrying out the needed activities on the ground (like picking stones, removing weeds, or giving orders to employed laborers) before or during planting. But wait, whose hands is the man’s life? God. “It is God who directs the lives of his creatures; everyone’s life is in his power.” (Job 12: 10 Good News Translations) Who has given this man the strength and ability to do all things? God. So, the man has nothing to glory about. God has given him life, given him the ground to possess, and also blessed him with fruitful harvest.

Now, having being blessed by God with a buoyant harvest, what is the first thing he should have done? He should have first give thanks to God. Yes, he should have first appreciated God. He should have first give gratitude thanks to God. That was where his error began. It wasn’t by his power that he was alive to own a ground that yielded buoyant harvest. He should have appreciated God, the One who has given him life, possessions, strength and abilities to work, and then a fruitful harvest. But what did he do? “And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow my fruits and my goods.” (vs 17-18) Another error he did, which should be noted, was by saying: “I have no room where to bestow my fruits.” Instead of saying with gratitude: “the fruits which God has given to me.”

Now, this man decided to pull down his barns to build greater one (vs 18) That is progress and development. Is there anything wrong with progressing and developing? Absolutely no. But, what? Did he do the right things first? No, he didn’t. He didn’t show appreciation to God, even in his heart (the most important) He didn’t offer any offering to God. Then he was making plans to develop and progress. Doing a right thing at the wrong time, on the wrong foundation, with wrong intentions. He should have showed genuine gratitude to God.

Then, he said, “And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” We can call this the last straw. Because, “But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (vs. 20) God didn’t bless him because of himself alone. God knows there are poor and needy people around. God cares for the poor and needy. God loves the poor and needy. God knows those poor and needy are helpless, and that they put their hopes on Him. God wants to use those He blessed (including that rich man) to provide for the poor and needy. And the man’s selfish actions irritate God so much. God blessed him; he didn’t show appreciation of any type. And because God is merciful, He ignored that. Now, there are people who God (The All-Sufficient Provider who cares and provides for all His creatures) want to use this rich man for. And it is so wrong that he made the decision of eating, drinking, and to merry himself alone. He isn’t the one that owns his life. It wasn’t by his ability or skill that he was able to do everything. God gave him everything. It wasn’t by his power that he has a fruitful harvest. God gave him the fruitful harvest. The rich man has nothing to glory on. All Glory belongs to God alone. Amen.

There are also certain very important things which God would love this man to do. This man should have use the riches God has given him to further the cause of the gospel. He should have ministered to the needs of God’s apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, workers, and all of God’s people. It wasn’t by his power that he was rich and has everything he had. The riches and blessings he has aren’t meant for him alone. He should have commit, dedicate, and use them all for God’s works. Yes, kingdom works. Yes, God’s works.

Again, another error this man had is that, he became too relaxed and comfortable in this temporary world. No, that isn’t what God want. True, God created us and put us in this earth. However, God wants us to always have it in our hearts, thoughts, minds, and actions, that, we are all pilgrims and passerbys in this world. Yes, Heaven is our home. Yes, this world isn’t our home; we will all leave here someday, Heaven is our home. Thus, God doesn’t want us to get so over comfortable and relaxed in this world, to the extent that we forget we will leave here someday, and that Heaven is home. Thus, either rich, average, or poor, we shouldn’t allow anything to keep the thoughts from our minds, that we aren’t meant here and that Heaven is home. Riches shouldn’t make us become over relaxed and over comfortable. You should not only indulge your possessions in God’s works, but you should also indulge your own very self in God’s works. Yes, preach the gospel, evangelize for Christ our Lord. Riches and blessings from God should be a plus and an advantage for God, and for us. You aren’t the owner of yourself and your riches; God owns all. God only put you in charge as a manger. See yourself as a manager, and begin using yourself and your possessions for God, as God leads you. Be more after Eternal riches, treasures, gains, and benefits. Use your all for God.

“Do not store up riches for yourselves here on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and robbers break in and steal. Instead, store up riches for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and robbers cannot break in and steal. For your heart will always be where your riches are.” (Matt. 6: 19-21 Good News Translations)

PRAYER

Dear Father,

Please give me the grace to use myself and the possessions which you’ve given me for You and Your Glory alone. Please Lord, send Your Holy Spirit into my life to lead me in Your Right Path of Righteousness, forever.

Amen.

CHAPTER 9

Leaving All to Follow Jesus Christ

“Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it- lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you (that) does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14: 25-33 New King James Version)

What is in this world of ours? If one decide to keep satisfying the desires of one’s flesh (which are sinful) just to feel ‘good’, what is the gain? If one decide to be of this world, and to do as this world is doing, are there any gains there? Or, are there any good gains there? If one decides to keep lusting, sinning, seeking pleasures, gratifying the lust of the flesh, what are the gains there? Are there any good gains there, other than death, which is the result of sin? If one is a sinner, are there any good benefits which the person is enjoying? I don’t think there are any.

Wait, if one loves this world so very much; living an ‘anyhow’ lifestyle; keenly seeking for wealth and riches by any means; desiring fame and popularities and recognition in this world; are there good gains in and to those? Are there good benefits and advantages associated with them? Are there any good benefits from stealing and indulging in corruption of any kind? Are there any good benefits in indulging oneself in fornication, adultery, and other sexual immoralities? Let’s be frank. If you are a sinner, and you know you are still a sinner, please try to be frank with yourself, are you truly enjoying any good benefits from your lifestyle (from being a sinner)? Hope you know that the temporary pleasures which you presently get from reckless and sinful living, are poison to you? You want the fun and pleasures of this world? Are you truly enjoying any good advantage or benefit of living your life anyhow you desire? Are you truly happy? No. How do I know? Simply because this world got nothing good to offer. The things it has are unpleasant things. Unpleasant things? Yes, unpleasant things like pain, regrets, sadness, disappointment, failure, sin, deceit, betrayal, heartbreaks, and eventually, death and destruction. Where is the enjoyment in this life? There are no genuine and authentic enjoyments in this life. The ones that exist in this life will only bring tears to one’s life. What should we do?

Let us follow Jesus Christ. Let us accept Jesus Christ into our lives as our Lord and Savior. Let us belong fully to Jesus.  Let us strive to always do the things which are right in God’s Sight. Let us always strive to be acceptable by God. Let us have a much better relationship with God, so we can be approved sons and daughters of God. Let us hate this world with all it evil pleasures. Yes, contribute good things to this world and try making a good impact in it; but ensure all things are all for God’s Glory. Repent of your sins and be a new creature. Change the ownership of your life, from sin to God. Let God be the new Owner of your life. Leave this world and it pleasures. Forsake all for Christ’s sake. Don’t let anything hinder you from being fully dedicated to God. Don’t allow anything to keep hindering you from having a good much better relationship with God. Don’t allow career to do that. Don’t allow pursuit of dreams, goals, and ambitions. Don’t allow riches and wealth. No, don’t even allow people. Don’t allow family; don’t allow friends. Don’t allow anything to try competing with Christ, the love and loyalty of your life. Remove every hindrances, distractions, and disturbance. Leave all, and follow Jesus Christ. Forsake all, and follow Jesus Christ. Yes, there are lots and lots of good benefits when one has a good relationship with God, through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Imagine living a good exceptional and outstanding lifestyle. We all know that this world is a troubled one, filled with so much troubles, tears, and disappointments. But you should also know that, it is very much possible to live a good peaceful and happy lifestyle in this world. Having wisdom to live life. Having divine wisdom to approach things which confuses many people, easily; and living an outstanding lifestyle. Yes, all these and so many more are some benefits which are only for those who belong to Jesus Christ. Or, haven’t you known that there are some unique goodness which are exclusively meant for recognized and approved sons and daughters of God? Yes, there are lots of benefits associated with having a good relationship with God.

“But now you have been set free from sin and are the slaves of God. Your gain is a life fully dedicated to him, and the result is eternal life. For sin pays its wage- death; but God’s free gift is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6: 22-23 Good News Translation)